Project: Belle-vue Apartment
Architecture: Sandbox Studio
Location: Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Sara Vita Photography
The Belle-vue Apartment by Sandbox Studio is a thoughtful refurbishment of an art-deco residence in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill. Designed for long-term living, the project enhances the historic character of the apartment while introducing contemporary design elements that reflect the owners’ passion for art and design.
A Sensitive Approach to Art-Deco Heritage
The design team approached the project with respect for the building’s original character, ensuring the interiors would complement the historic context of Bellevue Hill. Influenced by the surrounding architecture and the clients’ love for art, the renovation preserves the timeless appeal of the apartment while refreshing it with carefully chosen finishes and modern spatial solutions.
Artisanal Finishes and Materiality
A palette of artisanal finishes defines the interiors. Microcement and handmade tiles bring texture and tactility to the bathrooms, creating soft, natural surfaces that feel both elegant and enduring. These subtle material choices allow the original art-deco bones of the apartment to shine while giving the spaces a contemporary edge.
Reconfigured Spaces for Modern Living
The scope of work included a complete redesign of key spaces to suit the clients’ lifestyle. A new kitchen forms the heart of the home, while a home office with surfboard storage reflects the owners’ everyday needs and personal interests. The most complex intervention was the replanning of the bathrooms: what was once a bathroom, powder room, and linen cupboard was transformed into two full-sized bathrooms, carefully fitted around existing masonry walls and windows.
A Home with Lasting Appeal
The Belle-vue Apartment not only provides functional upgrades but also strengthens the emotional connection between the owners and their home. With expansive views across Rose Bay and the building’s established gardens, the interiors are designed to feel calm, timeless, and deeply integrated with their setting.
Through a combination of sensitive preservation and modern intervention, Sandbox Studio has created a home that respects its heritage while meeting the demands of contemporary living.
